October 9/08 12:55 pm - 'Test of' Series 2009 Dates

Test of Metal race director Cliff Miller has announced the dates for next year's Test of Series.

The series consists of The OreCrusher, The Test of Metal, and the GearJammer.

"Each of these Squamish races has its own character and each poses a unique challenge for riders," said Miller.

The OreCrusher, which will take place on May 9, 2009, is a classic cross-country lap race through the gnarly "dump trails" in Brackendale.

"It's a great start to the racing season," said Miller. "The pounding of these rooty trails can help knock some of those winter cobwebs out."

The second in the series is the North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal on June 20, 2009.

"It's the Canadian Epic," said Miller, "and it's a good opportunity to race against some future Canadian Olympians." Three of the four members of the 2008 Canadian Olympic team, Geoff Kabush, Seamus McGrath and Catherine Pendrel have raced the Test.

The series ends with the 47 kilometre G. Stewart Kerr Ltd. GearJammer on July 25, 2009.

"If you've survived the first two, you can get the Squamish hat-trick by racing the GearJammer, probably the most technical of the three races," said Miller.

The Test of Metal Inc. is a not-for-profit society run by volunteers, and any proceeds from theses races are returned to the community through charitable donations. Since its inception, the Test of Metal has donated more than $75,000 to community organizations and events.